The last detail that had to be considered was, what weapon had the criminal used to effect her purpose? The medical evidence was to the effect that Sir Peter had been struck a sudden and terrific blow with a blunt instrument, probably a bludgeon or a life-preserver. A bludgeon—that is to say, a stick—could not have been so easily concealed as a life-preserver, and it would have attracted attention to her if a lady had been seen carrying one, whereas a preserver could have been easily hidden in the bag, and when done with hurled out of the window of the carriage.
I therefore decided that a life-preserver was the instrument; it was an exceptionally heavy one, and wielded with great muscular force. Only a very exceptional woman could have exerted this force; only an exceptional woman would h
